Obituary of Patricia Lynn Smith

Patricia “Patty” Smith passed away on Monday, August 6, 2018, at Hendrick Hospice Care Center in Abilene, Texas. Funeral services are Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Keith Clifton officiating. Pallbearers are Austin Smith, Justin Smith, Luke Anderson, Orlando Scott, Dewayne Cockrell, Scott Griffin, Ben Richie and Jack Sims. Honorary pallbearers are Cody Cockrell, Adrian Irigoyen, Omar Payen, Rick Van Auken, Steven Gassiot and Christian Irigoyen. Graveside services will follow at Mount Vernon City Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Texas. Viewing and visitation is Friday, August 10, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Patricia “Patty” Lynn Smith was born November 4, 1956 in Hobbs, New Mexico to Clarence Welton Cockrell and Billie Marie (Taylor) Cockrell. She married Carl Roy Smith, Sr. on December 22, 1974. Together they had two children, Trisha and Carl.

Patty dedicated her life to the service of others. She was an EMT and LVN and completed her nursing degree to become an RN at the age of 51. Patty loved serving others and often volunteered at nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and community events such as Alzheimer’s walks and fundraisers. She was truly passionate about hospice and being an active member of the hospice community. She was a hospice nurse and home health nurse for the majority of her 30 year career. Patty was also an advocate for organ and tissue donation and often assisted others in registering to become a donor. She often said “if my death can help others, even one person, then I have helped in the way my Lord intended…to give another day.”

Patty loved to read and was rarely seen without a book. Along with reading, she often wrote (and told) short stories and poetry. She also loved to crochet and for many years gave crocheted items as gifts of love to her family and patients.

Patty was most in love with her family. She was truly happiest when among her family. Her children, grandchildren, her great grandbaby and her brother were her world. However, for Patty, the definition of family was love. If she knew you, she loved you, and you were her family.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Welton Cockrell and Billie Marie Taylor Cockrell, and her son Carl Roy Smith, Jr.

Survivors include her daughter Trisha Denise Smith and husband Justin of Sweetwater, Texas; brother, Jeff Cockrell of Brady, Texas; granddaughter Lillian Scott; great-granddaughter Carlyee Sue; grandson-in-love Orlando Scott of Ft. Worth, Texas; and grandson Austin Smith of Belton, Texas. She is also survived by her bonus son Scott Griffin, bonus daughter Dawn Hill, bonus granddaughter Gloria Blackburne, along with many brothers and sisters-in-love, many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. She is also survived by her childhood and lifelong best friend Shirley Winger, and so many friends she made along her life’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Patty’s honor to local Hospice and Alzheimer’s chapters/facilities. She would ask that you volunteer a moment of your time to the service of others, or register to become an organ/tissue donor.

With much love, the family of Patricia “Patty” Smith.